Xct Mu Bi Pm Sk 16Yugamātradarśino

Exposition of the Yugamātradarśino Sutta

Background

Yugamātradarśino is a passage found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section on the rules for bhikkhunīs. The text was recorded to guide bhikkhus, especially bhikkhunīs, in how to practice according to the principles taught by the Buddha. The title “Yugamātradarśino” means “those who see only for a moment” or “those who look at the present generation,” indicating a form of practice related to observing the world and oneself.

The Vinaya Piṭaka is one of the three principal collections of Theravāda Buddhism, the three baskets being the Vinaya Piṭaka, Sutta Piṭaka, and Abhidhamma Piṭaka. It contains rules, instructions, and teachings on discipline that Śākyamuni Buddha set forth for his renunciant disciples, guiding them to live a pure, disciplined, and tranquil life.

Main Content

Although the specific content of this text has not been fully translated in common materials, based on the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka and the title, it is related to how practitioners, especially bhikkhunīs, should observe and understand the temporary, impermanent nature of things and phenomena in life, as well as the limits of human perception.

According to the Theravāda tradition, one of the core points is recognition of the three characteristics of all phenomena: anicca (impermanence), dukkha (suffering), and anattā (not-self). The Yugamātradarśino Sutta seems to focus on instructing bhikkhunīs to view reality through this lens and avoid errors of perception that lead to attachment and suffering.

The process of practice according to this text includes preserving pure aspirations, following the general rules of doctrine, and practicing meditation in order to awaken to the nature of things. Specifically, bhikkhunīs need to cultivate sīla (virtue), samādhi (concentration), and paññā (wisdom), gradually progressing toward nirvana.